THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN MATTER AND MIND. 63 
keys of a piano 1 Conditions are not causes ; and because Mind is 
affected by an organism, it is not irrational to suppose that, never- 
theless, it is as much a reality as is the organism itself. It need 
not be a mere product of molecular change in the brain. 5. The 
argument from evolution will not hold good; for we have seen 
that, in so far as philosophical unity is involved in evolution, that 
is consistent with the essential distinction between Matter and 
Mind. Moreover, if we are to give heed to such men as Von Baer, 
Agassiz, Jeffreys, and Dawson, we are not to accept evolution, as 
regards animal life, as an established doctrine. Besides, there are 
many who with Darwin would accept evolution as regards animal 
life, but who cannot see proof that life and all else is evolved, by a 
long series of differentiations, out of the interaction of mere mole- 
cules under the mechanical pressure of force. Until the extreme 
view of evolution, from the original undifferentiated matter up to 
life, be established, it is impossible to argue that Mind is only the 
product of molecular change. 
But not only cannot the adverse position be established for the 
foregoing reasons, but there are two positive reasons on the other 
side which cannot be set aside. 1. The unique character of con- 
sciousness. It has not the slightest affinity with any object, 
quality, or force with which science makes us acquainted. All 
other things in the world can be brought under common iests and 
modes of measurement. Hence their community of nature is 
inferred. This stands alone. It is the most common, persistent, 
well-known reality in the world, the most assertive, and yet it has 
never been found possible to express it in the slightest degree in 
terms applicable to anything else. Dr. Tyndall wisely calls it an 
"inscrutable mystery." 2. The radical distinction between Matter 
and Mind, if allowed, accounts for the most prominent phenomena 
of life, such as personal identity, permanence of will. All attempts 
to explain these phenomena on any other hypothesis issue in utter 
confusion and obscurity, and, therefore, on strictly scientific prin- 
ciples we are bound to accept the distinction alluded to as the 
most rational conclusion. 
The bearings, on the order of society, of the doctrine that Mind 
and all covered by the term, is simply a name for the interaction 
of molecules, must occur to any one who contrasts that view with 
the other ; namely, that it is an essence, an Intelligence, a Being 
amenable to laws other than mechanical. 
